May 19, 2017

Snow-covered and flooded fields — (Left) Thursday snows laid down this triticale field near Scottsbluff (Photo by Cody Creech) and repeated rains in south central Nebraska this week left many fields flooded. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Corn Production

Flooded field in south central Nebraska — Multiple rains are leading to flooded field areas in southern Nebraska. (Photo by Jenny Rees)

Corn Survival in Ponded or Flooded Fields

Heavy rains of 2 to more than 4 inches in south central Nebraska May 15-19 have led to ponding or flooding in many fields. Survival of young corn plants under these conditions depends on several factors, described here.

cross-banded corn — Figure 1. Note the creases on second leaf of the two plants on the right. Perhaps these are the remnant effects of cross banding noted from this same field on May 9. (SCAL, May 16, 2017. Photos by Roger Elmore)

Cross-Banding on Corn Leaves: One Week Later

A gallery of photos showing decreased effect of yellow cross-banding in corn leaves in south central Nebraska one week after initial report in CropWatch. This effect was due to pre-emergent cold temperatures and is not expected to affect yield.

Wheat Production

Winter wheat variety trials in Washington County in 2017

Compare Varieties at Winter Wheat Field Days this June

Nebraska Winter Wheat Field Days will be held at eight sites in the Panhandle and west central and southeast Nebraska this June. View current commercial and experimental lines and plots of ongoing research.

Irrigated wheat field — Figure 1. An irrigated field in Box Butte County on May 16.

Wheat Disease Update: Wheat Streak Mosaic

A survey of wheat fields in the Nebraska Panhandle found only trace levels of stripe rust and low levels of tan spot, but widespread areas of wheat streak mosaic virus with severity ranging from mild to severe.

Weather

More Showers in May Forecast

A very active weather pattern is currently impacting the central United States, including Nebraska, with repeated rainstorms. As we end the month, models hint at active weather for the western half of the state while the eastern half looks to remain dry.

Dry Bean Production

Dry bean direct harvesting — Figure 1. Direct harvesting dry beans equires just one trip through the field at harvest, while the more traditional process requires a windrowing and a harvest trip. compared to more traditional harvesting methods.

Are You Planning to Direct Harvest Dry Edible Beans?

Successful direct harvesting of dry edible beans begins with proper seed selection and a level field this spring. See what to consider to help ensure minimal yield loss in making the change.

Weed Management

Photos of the Palmer amaranth and common waterhemp plants at cotyledon stage — (Left) Figure 1. Palmer amaranth cotyledons: long and narrow (Photos by Alfred Stark and Lowell Sandell) (Right) Figure 2. Common waterhemp cotyledons.

Soil Fertility

Manure and Soil Health Presentations: Experts, farmer interviews, and discussions relative to four topics of manure use and produced by the North Central Region Water Network.
- Manure and Soil Health Testing
- Manure and Soil Biology
- Manure and Soil Erosion, Runoff, and Losses
- Manure and Cover Crops

IANR & Extension Resources

LEAD Alums on How the Experience Changed Their Lives. Apply by June 15 for the next LEAD class.
LEAD Growth Both Personal and Statewide
Meet Kyle Broderick, New Plant and Pest Diagnostic Clinic Coordinator
June Workshops on Beginning Farmer Tax Credit, Loan Programs
Nebraska Researchers on Multi-State Team to Study Psychology of Water Use